Sterile vs. Clean Dressings

• What type of dressing is used for surgical wounds?

  Sterile dressing
• What is the difference between medical sterility and surgical sterility?

  Medical sterility is not as strict as surgical sterility
• What is required for sterile dressings?

  A completely sterile environment
• When are sterile dressings typically used?

  For surgical wounds and exposed bone
• What defines clean dressings?

  Emphasizes cleanliness without needing sterility
• For what types of wounds are clean dressings used?

  Less critical wounds
• What is a common use for clean dressings?

  Minor cuts and abrasions
• How do clean dressings differ from sterile dressings?

  Clean dressings do not require sterility
• What are the key differences between sterile and clean dressings?

  • Sterile dressings require a completely sterile environment
  • Clean dressings emphasize cleanliness, not sterility
  • Sterile dressings are for critical wounds (e.g., surgical)
  • Clean dressings are for less critical wounds (e.g., minor cuts)